Recent content by Gamma1214

I'm very pleased that I'm not the only one on here that doesn't lock their doors. Our bears aren't that smart yet (and the neighbors are trustworthy).

In my experience, the inReach (nice malapropism, Rusty) doesn't have to be intrusive. Mine is typically along for the ride and only gets touched if I'm wondering how far (or fast) I've gone or when I send the "all clear" at night. Wife, kids & other vicarious trippers will probably enjoy...

I'll second the "do two trips" idea. I've done both the Steel River & the Marshall Lake Loop in the past 3 years and plan to do the extended version of Marshall in 2027. The difference between the two trips is remarkable and I honestly can't pick a favorite. I know that I'd do both again...

You certainly had a lot more water to work with than I did in the Fall of '23 but it seems that talking to policemen about driving habits may be prerequisite (I got pulled over in Ohio). You are absolutely right that the scenery is spectacular and the lake portion will not disappoint when you...

Looks awesome Robin. I admire your skills

Outstanding! I'm really looking forward to the rest. BTW: Regardless of where this trip goes, I love the attitude!

Is that aluminum gunwale a slip-on that covers inner & outer? Just drill thru & rivet in place? If so, I'll have to look into that. (If not, I''ll have to do some brain picking w/ a local fabricator)

I like the Raven alot. I found it responsive, stable and easy to get / keep moving. Hard to compare to the Freedom at this point though. I liked the Freedom on flatwater too and it was only in current that I found it somewhat lacking. I'll have to get the Raven into some current this Spring...

Awesome looking canoe and I'm glad you're planning more. Did you laminate gunwales in place on the hull or build them & then install? I'm interested to see a close-up of them. (and, yes, we all make decisions when building. Sometimes they really are more trouble than they're worth but it's...

Truthfully, I thought about taking one & posting it in the "pictures of wildlife" thread but that might have been more appropriate on the trip upstream when the full party was going on. Maybe next summer.

Not to ignore your Cirrus vs WildFIRE inquiry but, having paddled neither, I'll help kill time until someone knowledgeable strays past... I have to agree that what mem & al say above makes sense. I built my Raven with the seat set rearward & contoured all the way to the gunwales so it would...

🤣 No. I thought about it but no; there are none.

Hi Mike, those old w/c are all beauties when they're done. For me, it would depend upon how much the seller wants for it & how much you want a wood/canvas in the fleet. Like you, I don't need another project but, if it's cheap enough & you've got the time & patience... It certainly looks...

The canoe certainly got lots of attention and I liked it as well as any boat that I saw that day. Of course, there was one or two out there that I swear had more square footage than my house! (I often wonder why anyone would want another house to clean but to each their own...) I drive that...

2025 has been an odd year for me in regards to getting out. My annual Canadian trip was preempted by my niece’s wedding in Oregon and the 2 week tour of the Western US that I’d planned on the way to and from her wedding was then canceled when my vacation time (and money) needed to be spent...